Marvel Developing RPG Game With 20th Century Fox

Marvel and 20th Century-Fox owned Aftershock game studio are currently developing a new role playing game, featuring the iconic superheroes from the comic book company. Despite the two organizations not working for their big and small screen properties – keeping the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Fox Marvel Universe separate – the upcoming video game is a great way to get fans excited for the possible melding of these worlds (albeit, in a different media format).

Aftershock has just been acquired by Fox via its FoxNext Games division and is currently operating under it as a sub-department. Originally an entity of interactive entertainment Kabam, it was spun off last December for reportedly $800 million, prompting the buyout from the film corporation. The video game developing company has a slew of great games under its belt like The Hobbit: Kingdoms of Middle-earth and Marvel Contest of Champions. Right now, they are said to be working on the planned Avatar mobile game that is due to roll out before James Cameron’s first Avatar film sequel hit theaters.

The exciting news came via a press statement by Marvel acquired by Newsarama. Here is the official statement on the matter from the company’s Senior VP of Games and Innovation, Jay Ong:

“Aftershock is creating something special and we are thrilled to finally announce this news. The game will be the full package: an exciting storyline, epic moments with Marvel superheroes and supervillains, and incredible visuals that truly bring our characters to life. It’s shaping up to be one of our biggest and boldest projects in our mobile portfolio, and we know it will exceed our fans’ expectations.”

For his part, FoxNext Games’ President of Studios Aaron Loeb’s statement mirrors Ong’s sentiments, expressing his eagerness to partner up with Marvel and develop a great RPG using the company’s iconic superheroes:

“The Aftershock Los Angeles team, led by Amir Rahimi, is developing an explosive action mobile game set in the Marvel Universe that will feature an innovative game design with stunning graphics. To team up with Marvel on our first game at FoxNext Games is a dream partnership.”

Earlier this month, Marvel Games shared that they will be starting to build their video games portfolio, similar to the MCU in structure with its interconnected storylines and culminating pieces. This is part of their effort to improve their video game slate, in the hopes that it will hopefully gain the same recognition as their MCU movie and TV counterparts.

While this is great news, it is important to note that this is entirely separate from the two companies’ respective cinematic universes. Marvel Studios’ Kevin Feige has reiterated that although they are not closing the door on the possibility of Fox-owned Marvel characters eventually crossing over to the MCU, there are no talks happening right now between the two camps. Further, both studios have lined-up new and exciting projects for their comic book IPs like the planned Dr. Doom film, X-Men: Dark Phoenix piece and Deadpool 2 for Fox. Marvel Studios, on the other hand, has the two massive Avengers films – Infinity War and its untitled sequel – on the docket, along with additional film sequels and the introduction of Captain Marvel in her own MCU movie.